Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, boasting stunning Rocky Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and endless adventure opportunities. Visitors can explore the park year-round, with winter being a particularly magical time to visit. From snowy trails to thermal waters, Banff offers something for everyone. Just remember, no drones allowed! So, leave your drone at home and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this iconic park. You do need a park pass and I will explain that in my travel tips! You can get day passes, multiple days or annual passes.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge, nestled atop Tunnel Mountain in Banff National Park, is our go to resort in Banff.. It is beautiful with wood beams and a magical chalet style feel. The hot tub also had incredible views and was a must. It was a good mid budget hotel! We really like the restaurant the Prow there too.

Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking spot in Banff National Park and it is about 10 minutes out of town. The hike first goes to the Lower Falls and then to the Upper Falls at the end and it is a one way hike. This hike takes you through dramatic canyons with waterfalls and cliffside walkways. The Lower falls are a short walk from the trailhead, and the upper falls are slightly longer. It is an easy hike in the area all in all!

Stats to Upper Falls: 5.5km return, 255 meters (2 hours)

If you are there in summer it is probably one of the busiest hikes in Banff so try to go early to avoid crowds, it does not get that busy in winter.

We did it in winter and it was seriously a winter wonderland, the frozen waterfall were insane. Highly recommend bringing crampons in winter. It is 5.5km return to the upper falls and has little elevation gain. It is only half of that distance to the lower falls, but i do recommend doing the whole thing.

Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls, Alberta, Canada - 9,949 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

The Banff Roasting Company is a cozy café nestled in the heart of Banff, Alberta. Known for their delicious coffee and friendly atmosphere, this local hotspot is a favorite among both residents and tourists alike. With a wide selection of specialty drinks and freshly baked treats, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Two Jack Lake is a picturesque emerald green lake nestled in Banff National Park, offering panoramic views of Mount Rundle. The road there from Banff is really pretty and only about 15 minutes away. It is the small lake before Minnewanka which is a huge lake. Two Jack Lake is known for the red chairs on the shore. You can walk around and find some really pretty picnic spots and in winter you can skate there!

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies. This is located on a scenic road that takes you past Two Jack Lake. We always see elk here so keep your eye out! We came when the lake was frozen and you can walk on it, so cool! In the summer you can bring your paddleboard or just walk along the shore.

Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out for wolves, grizzlies, and elk. Plus, there's a scenic trail along the northern shore perfect for exploring. Whether you're into outdoor adventures or just want to soak in the stunning views, Lake Minnewanka has something for everyone.

The Prow at Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the place to be for delicious mountain tapas, creative cocktails. Tasty upscale Canadian cuisine in a nice setting. Whether you're looking to unwind après adventure or indulge in some elevated Rocky Mountain cuisine, The Prow has got you covered.

Kingmik Dog Sled Tours in Banff, Alberta should be on everyone's bucket list. With certified guides leading two-hour tours, it is so fun. The dog sledding goes through an area of Yoho National Park that looks like a winter wonderland. If you love dogs this is the tour for you. The dogs go crazy at the beginning as they are so excited it is funny to watch. The operators do let you drive the sled with them, or you can sit in the little cozy seats. You can pet them and interact with them, and at the end you get a hot chocolate by a little camp fire. This tour is expensive and runs around $325 for two people.

This is a Christmas store in Banff that is open all year long!

This is one of my favourite outdoor stores in Banff and they often have clearance items.

Lake Louise is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. It is free to go to, but you do need to pay for parking in the summer months. Parking is free after 7pm and in the off season!

There is also a shuttle service from Lake Louise Village as the parking does fill up! The lake does get busy right at the viewing area. However, just keep walking along the path and you can find quieter spots. At the lake you can walk the path or even go up to Lake Agnes Tea House or the Beehive hikes. In the winter you can snow shoe, ride horses, or ice skate the lake. You can of course canoe on the lake in the summer but it is so expensive at about $140. if you really want to ball out you can stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise or go to one of their restaurants.

Ramen Arashi in Banff is a popular spot for noodle lovers, serving up delicious ramen dishes that have locals and tourists coming back for more. It is not fancy but it is really good!

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is right near the village of Lake Louise, Alberta. It is our favourite ski hill in Banff, as it is incredible views. This resort offers 145 marked ski runs and back bowls for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Visitors can also enjoy year-round activities like, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. You can also go up the gondola in summer for scenic views.

The Grizzly Paw Pub is in Canmore and it has a great outside deck and great burgers. Great spot after a long hike.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located in Banff town near the Banff Gondola. The hot springs were first discovered by Indigenous Peoples and later visited by Europeans in 1883. The hot pool, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rundle, offers visitors a chance to soak in mineral-rich waters at a toasty 38°C (100°F). This is not a luxury location, it is $17. Bring a towel, or rent on site. If your hotel has a hot tub I would probably skip it.

Banff Ave Brewing Co. is a laid-back spot on Banff Avenue where you can kick back with a cold beer and some tasty pub grub. With a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of craft beers brewed on-site, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the Rockies. Whether you're craving a classic burger or want to try their signature poutine, this brewery has something for everyone. So grab a seat, sip on a pint, and enjoy the mountain vibes at Banff Ave Brewing Co.!

The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain in just eight minutes. From the top, you get killer views of Banff town, Bow Valley, and beyond. There's a cool observation deck and a short trail to check out. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Banff National Park! It costs $60 for a return trip. There is a wooden boardwalk at the top that is about 1km return of a walk. I would recommend trying to head up for sunset.

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of Canada's most scenic roads! Highlights along the route include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Sunwapta Falls. . The highway goes all the way to Jasper from Lake Louise and is about 232km along. You can of course turn around whenever you do not need to drive the whole thing. There are some campgrounds and lodges along the Icefields Parkway and about 80km away from Lake Louise there is a gas station, a convenience store and a restaurant as Saskatchewan Crossing.

There is only ONE gas station at The Crossing Gas Station and Store at Highway # 93 and Highway # 11. But it has limited opening hours. It’s open only in the summer from mid-April to mid-October (call ahead to make sure it’s open), which means there are no gas stations between Lake Louise and Jasper in the wintertime. Make sure to check road reports if you go in winter!

All of my recommended stops are on the map! There is no cell service on this road!

The Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a popular spot in Banff National Park, known for its stunning panoramic views of the turquoise-colored lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can easily access the viewpoint via a short hike from the parking lot, making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring the area. Don't forget your camera – this view is definitely Instagram-worthy!

If you walk up to the left about 200m from the viewing deck you can find a spot all to yourself! The pictures of us on the rock are at this secret spot!

Peyto Lake, located in Banff National Park, is a stunning turquoise gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Its vibrant color comes from rock flour that flows into the lake from surrounding glaciers. It's definitely a must-see spot for anyone exploring the area! The lake is shaped in a unique fox pattern it is really pretty. At the parking lot you just have to walk 500 meters or so to the viewing platform. If you want to make it into a little hike, walk past the viewing platform about 300 meters until you see a small trail. This trail is about 700 meters long and will bring you to this rocky outpost. It is a bit hard to find, but worth it. There are no signs, so it actually took us a little while to find it. You can visit this spot in summer and winter.

Bow Lake is a stunning turquoise gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Located along the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers looking to soak in the beauty of Banff National Park. You can just drive right up to the lake! There is a little coffee shop and souvenir shop there too.

Abraham Lake is a stunning natural wonder located in the Canadian Rockies, known for its mesmerizing frozen ice bubbles that form beneath its surface during the winter months. This unique phenomenon attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world who are eager to capture the beauty of the crystal-clear ice and swirling bubbles trapped below. It's like stepping into a magical winter wonderland where nature puts on a show that will leave you in awe. Try to ask the visitor centre or look online to see if this is happening during your trip dates.

The Tunnel Mountain Trail in Banff offers a relatively easy to moderate hike with stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. The 4.3 km trail with 400m elevation gain, starts near the town of Banff, provides a good workout with its steep incline but rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the Bow River and surrounding area. With a mix of switchbacks and level sections, this popular trail is accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities. Don't forget to pack water, snacks, and your camera for this picturesque adventure in the heart of Banff National Park! We did this for sunrise and it was super pretty. You can do it in winter or summer, just bring crampons in winter. Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail | Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park about 1 hour drive from Lake Louise. The lake is located right next to the parking lot, so it is accessible to everyone. There is a lakeside trail that takes about an hour or you can just hang out by the lodge, eat at the restaurant or rent a canoe! It is my favourite lake in the Rockies. It also freezes over in winter, so you can walk on it, snow shoe or even cross country ski.

Natural Bridge Lower Falls is a stunning natural formation located in Yoho National Park, known for its unique rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. It is on the way to Emerald lake so make sure you stop here for a visit. In the winter you can walk down below and there is a secret ice cave!

Emerald Lake Lodge is a cozy and rustic retreat nestled on the edge of the stunning Emerald Lake in British Columbia's Yoho National Park. We stayed at the lodge on a winter trip and it was so pretty! The restaurant was really good and they had an amazing buffet breakfast. Each room has a little fireplace, we really liked it. There are also several firepits outside to enjoy. It is just nice to stay here so that you can have the lake to yourself in the evening or early morning before the hoards of tourists.

The Boathouse Trading Co. offers canoe rentals right on the lake for$90 per hour. We did not do this as we thought it was a bit expensive, but it would be a really nice splurge. We chose to canoe Lake Louise, so we could not do it twice! However, Lake Louise is $140 so it is cheaper. In the winter you can rent cross country skis, snow shoes and all of that stuff here too. Emerald lake is just as pretty as Lake Louise so this is a great potential alpine lake canoe spot.

Wapta Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Yoho National Park, Canada. It's known for its impressive height and powerful flow, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to take in some natural beauty. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and offers great views along the way, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and up for a little adventure!Here are the Hiking stats for Wapta Falls

• Distance: Approximately 4.6km return, mostly flat

• Time: The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours2.

• Difficulty: The trail is considered easy

• NOTE: in the winter the road to the parking lot is closed. You can still hike to the falls but you have to add on another 2.5km to get to the summer trail point, making the total hike 10kms.

The Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge offers a cozy and upscale dining experience right on the edge of the stunning lake. With its rustic charm and delicious menu, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a relaxing lunch, this restaurant has got you covered. We tried a lot of the dishes as we were there 2 nights and they were all amazing. Notably liked the steak, salmon and cocktails.

The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is in Golden and it was one of the coolest experiences. They're all about educating visitors on these amazing creatures and their role in the wild. It's like a wolf-lover's dream come true! You can go to the centre and just see the wolves or choose the walk option.

They are in a chain linked fence area, so it does seem wierd at first, so I would not recommend going if you do not choose the walk with the wolves. It would be very underwhelming.

The walk with the wolves is very cool though. They take one out with you in the middle of nowhere with a small group of 6-8 people and you essentially just take her for an off leash walk. It is about 90 minutes and they do this cute little photo session with treats, where the wolf goes on your shoulders. The walks are only at 9:30am and they are pricey at $380 for two people.

northernlightswildlife | educational zoo

Wandering Fern Cafe is a cozy spot in Golden, BC that offers delicious coffee, baked goods, and light meals. With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a tasty treat after a day of exploring the outdoors. It also has great wifi!

Confluence Climbing is a bouldering gym in Golden. It is great if the weather is not the best as it is a fun indoor activity. It is only about $15 for a drop in and you can rent your shoes and chalk there too.

Reposados has the best tacos and is my favourite restaurant in Golden.

Ethos Cafe is in Golden, BC and is a great spot for breakfast. Try their breakfast sandwich! With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, it's the perfect place to chill out with a latte or grab a quick bite. Whether you're looking for a caffeine fix or a tasty snack, Ethos Cafe has got you covered with their delicious menu and welcoming ambiance.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the ski hill in Golden. It is known for its powder and crazy cloud inversions. The Eagles Eye Restaurant is at the top and it is the highest restaurant in Canada. They have great food and apres!

In the summer they have a really cool via ferrata route and they have some great mountain bike trails.

The Wolf's Den is a great restaurant in Golden. It has all of the comfort food you could want. The hamburgers were really good!